Following three wins, a second place and two thirds in the opening six races of the 2006 American Le Mans Series, Liz Halliday's attention now turns to a pivotal stretch of the season. Four races remain for Halliday and her co-drivers, Jon and Clint Field, in the No. 37 Intersport Lola.

After running three events during July, the Series will draw breath and next be in action August 18-20 for the Generac 500 at Road America. During this slight break in her driving schedule, but not in her other pursuits (Liz also is an international equestrian), the winningest female driver in Series history (six victories) took the time to reflect on the first half of the sports car season.

Question: All in all, are you happy with how the first portion of the season has unfolded for you and the team?

Answer: By and large, yes. Getting the LMP2 win at Sebring was a huge confidence-builder for all of us. Winning that race over the 12-hour period proved that our car had the durability you need to win out here.

Q: At the end of 2005, Porsche debuted the first of its LMP2 cars with Roger Penske managing the team. What was your initial reaction?

A: The more top-of-the-line manufacturers we can attract into the Series, the better it is for all of us. We knew from the start that we could not match either of their cars in terms of flat-out speed. Where we could compete, however, was in our ability to finish races.

Q: The Penske cars have won an overall race (Mid-Ohio) and led in several others, and some feel it is the equivalent of an LMP1 car.

A: I would not want to speak for them, but their stated goal has been to win as many LMP2 victories as they can, and I think they are sincere in that belief. Lucas (Luhr) and Sascha (Maassen) are both champion drivers. They are tough to beat no matter what car they might be in.

Q: You ended July with a come-from-behind win at Portland. Explain how it came about?

A: Both Porsches showed early speed. But the No. 7 car got tangled up with Duncan Dayton's prototype and needed extensive repairs. That allowed us to move up to second position. Then with about 15 minutes to go in the race, the No. 6 blew its engine and now it was up to us to take advantage.

Q: When Luhr went out, you were in the car. What did the team tell you on the radio?

A: Just the normal lap information followed by the fact that I was running in first place! After that I was just told to keep the car on course, and not do anything too risky that would jeopardize a win.